Relationships: Through the Eyes of Children
If you look at the world with the eyes of a child,
There is joy in the simplest thing,
From the green of a leaf on the earliest tree
To the curve of a bird on the wing.
If you look at the world with the eyes of a child,
There are miracles filling each day,
From the grass which mysteriously sways in the wind
To the gold in the sun’s friendly ray.
If you look at the world with the eyes of a child,
There is wonder beyond any measure,
From the stars and the moon in the evening sky
To the sparkle of a dewdrop treasure.
– Maryjane Tonn
I love how children take such joy and delight in the everyday things of life. From a babies giggle to sprinkles on top of the ice cream cone to a handful of cheerful yellow dandelions picked to be displayed in glory on the counter. The little moments of happiness and sheer gladness over the simple yet everyday tasks or items in life. Learning how to use or do something for the first time brings a great happiness to a child.
As an adult there is so much my children and other children can remind me. There is so many blessings all around us. Too often I take those good things that God gives me for granted. I know I don’t take enough time to focus on the blessings and goodness that I see around me.
Being around kids especially small ones for extended periods of time is exhausting yet rewarding. Their energy and excitement is contagious. I am thankful for my kids and the little ones that I have had the opportunity to spend time with because they remind me of the true treasures in life that I have been given. Thank you little ones!
Live in Such A Way…
Life is Better…
There Will Always Be…
Above All Else…
Heart Reflections: 30 Quick Tips on Being a Positive Parent
The other day I was filling out a card for a cousin who recently had a baby. As I was writing the card I had a whirlwind of thoughts, advice, and things I wanted to share with this couple who just recently began this wonderful parenting journey. This is part of what I shared with them which was also a great reminder to me and hopefully an encouragement to you if you’re a parent as well. I have edited it to remove their specific names on the card.
Congratulations! We are so happy for your sweet family! Welcome to the crazy and fun parenting party! Wishing all of you a lifetime packed full of laughter and wonderful memories. Praying that parenting will be a great adventure for you. We are thrilled for all of you and wish you the very best! Many Blessings!
Parenting Tips We Want to Share (I added a couple more to the list since writing the card):
- Laugh as often as possible (even at your own mistakes)
- Make a point to hug your child and tell her that you love her everyday
- Cherish the memories, they really do grow up way too fast
- Show grace and mercy often
- Never discipline when you’re angry
- Take lots of pictures, especially of your times together
- Seek God’s wisdom daily for your life, marriage, and parenting
- Be a positive and encouraging cheerleader for your kid
- Take time regularly to listen to your child
- Breathe deeply and count to 10 when your patience is being stretched thin
- You will feel more like a “SuperDad” and “SuperMom” after a full nights sleep
- Spend quality one-on-one time with your child
- Read to them, sing with them, and play with them
- Pray a lot – some days you’ll really need it
- Protect, guide, and nurture the best you can then trust that God will work in their hearts
- Words can be used to build up or tear down (make sure to chose them wisely)
- It’s the little things that make the biggest impact on our kids
- It doesn’t have to be flashy or expensive to be fun
- Be content with your life
- Give generously to others
- Find teachable moments each day (kids love learning new stuff)
- Speak kindly to and about others (little eyes are watching what you do and hearing what you say)
- Stand up for what’s right (even when it’s hard)
- Allow your kids to make some mistakes on their own so they can learn
- Get creative and have fun together – life’s too short to be boring
- Smile, slow down a little, and enjoy this wonderful part of your life
- Make the “normal” everyday events exciting
- Go on adventures
- Do family devotions and pray together
- Explore and try new activities together
There are so many areas of our lives that are stretched when we are parents. While being a parent is the most rewarding experience it is also one of the most challenging. It feels like I am constantly making mistakes or doing/saying something that’s not edifying or encouraging to my kids. Yes, they know very well how to “push my buttons,” but that doesn’t mean I have to over react either. Thankful for my kids and the many lessons they teach me about parenting.
Heart Reflections: His Perfect Timing
We read a little bit in the book of Esther with the girls recently. Esther’s words “for such a time as this” not only struck a cord in my heart but in the girls hearts as well. Have you ever thought about how you have been placed on this earth at this exact time for a specific reason? During our recent devotional with the girls they asked the question “Why did God chose for me to live today not many years ago or sometime in the future?”
What a great question, right!? One that I have actually thought about a lot over the past few years myself too. God knew us even before we were born (how cool is that)! 🙂 He chose for us to live today, during this time, and at this very moment for a special reason. The problem is often times we don’t always realize or know what that really means for us. We get so caught up in the daily obligations of life itself we forget that its the little “daily” stuff that can really have a life long impact on the lives of others. Take our kids for example…feeding their bodies, teaching their minds, and shepherding their hearts now can make a positive impact on many future generations to come. Will we mess up? Yes! That is normal, however, it is important that they know we love them, we make mistakes, and that our hearts aren’t perfect either which is why we need Jesus’ grace, love, wisdom, and forgiveness just as much as anyone else.
We have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world, starting with the people around us. Are we taking the time to share his love, kindness, mercy, goodness and grace to those people we interact with daily as well as those we may only have 1 opportunity to touch their lives? I am thankful He has allowed me to live today…to have a spouse who loves me, to have these children keep me on my toes, friends who challenge me to do better, extended family who want to be a part of my life, a blog to reach out to people I may never meet in person, and so many more amazing blessings in my life. Are our lives reflecting Him through our words, thoughts, and actions so that we have many opportunities to make a positive eternal impact? If not, what do I need to do to change?
The girls are really thinking lately. We went from Jesus to John the Baptist to (Carmel Hair Coats, Esther, Baptism, Life, Death, Salvation, Sharing the Good News, Extended Family, Heaven, Praying, what is a Pastor, Faith and maybe even a couple more thrown in there along the way…). Quite the discussions lately, but I am thankful for their desire to learn and grow. I pray that Jake and I will have wisdom we need to answer the questions in a way that will only strengthen their faith and make a positive impact on their lives and hearts. One of the best parts about reading through a variety of devotional books with them is that it really seems to initiate some good conversations.
Heart Reflections: Riches of the Heart
In one our traveling excursions I came across this sign “Riches of the heart cannot be stolen”. I immediately liked the sign (simple but to the point) and was thankful for the reminder in my life. What is my focus and where do my thoughts tend to wonder?
Joy, blessings, contentment, laughter, love, thankfulness, and many amazing riches that come from my heart are ones that cannot be taken away from me. May the riches of your heart and mine be abundantly overflowing so we can be content, generous, positive, and kind to those around us.
Heart Reflections: You Can Do Nothing
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5
I am in the process of reading several books right now and I came across this verse twice last week (probably a subtle hint or gentle reminder for me, hmmm…). It is one that I have read many times throughout the years but the part that really struck me this time around was “apart from me you can do nothing”. So all the time I spend trying to accomplish tasks in my own strength is worth nothing? I really don’t want to waste my time, do you?
How often do I try to do everything in my own strength or at least I want to feel like have some sort of control over what’s going on in my life? More often then I want to admit! What I really need to focus on is staying connected to the vine and drawing my strength, nourishment, support, and guidance from the one who really is in control of my life.
Our family has grown many gardens so I am aware of the plant growing process. When a piece of the branch or plant gets separated from the vine it dries up and ceases to produce any more fruit. The vine is what brings the nutrients from the roots to the branches without it there would be no fruit. I don’t want to shrivel up, but rather I want to grow, flourish, and thrive producing a lot of fruit. The main question to myself is – am I taking the steps to have that good fruit in my life by drawing my nutrition from the vine or am I starting to shrivel?
I am praying that this verse will be a reminder to all of us of how important it is that we get our daily strength from the vine. No matter what your circumstance is today you can be encouraged that God is in control and he will give you the nourishment you need for today. Eventually you will be begin to God working through your heart and life to produce an abundance of beautiful fruit. Take little steps today and start drawing nourishment from the vine. Spend some time praying, listening to a sermon, reading the scriptures, or singing praise and worship songs to help replenish your heart and keep you connected to the vine.
Heart Reflections: The Powerful Impact of Words
Let no corrupt communication come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. – Ephesians 4:29
Ouch! This is a hard one at times… I read this verse a few days ago and I have continued to think about it as I plunge into another busy week. Sometimes we forget how powerful of an impact our words have on others. Are we encouraging our family and friends with kind words or we doing damage?
It is hard to be positive and encouraging all the time. Often I find myself regretting the words I spoke immediately after they were said. Speaking poorly about another person does no good and in reality it only makes me look bad. Complaining about the little inconveniences in my life only shows my discontent heart. How I am suppose to be a shining light in a dark world, if my words are just as hurtful or hateful as the next persons?
We are all human. We make mistakes. Things will happen that offend and upset us. It feels natural to get defensive or to lash out against those who hurt us. I find it very difficult to control my words especially when it comes to children (any kids, not just my own). I think part of that is the mothering instinct, however, it is wise to consider our words prior to opening our mouths. At times it may be best to wait to discuss something big after you’ve had time to pray about it and when it is more convenient for all parties involved.
Will you pray with me asking God to give us the words to speak that may be good for building up and give grace to those who hear? Let’s try with God’s help to be positive, encouraging, and speak kindly. We don’t know what is going on in the hearts and lives of those around us but if we can control our tongue we may have more opportunities to be a blessing and make a positive impact on the life of someone else.
